Gap Internship Abroad in Abu Dhabi
Discover Abu Dhabi as an intern, where world-class business and Arabian Gulf culture will shape your professional path.
Abu Dhabi is home to a rapidly growing economy, where participants can explore real-world career opportunities while immersing themselves in an international work environment. Across 12 weeks, dive into city life, sharpen your professional skills and collaborate with peers eager to explore global careers.
Your internship includes 15-20 hours per week of hands-on experience at a workplace that matches your professional interests. A 15-hour embedded course prepares you professionally, with optional classes available through ASU Online to earn U.S. college credit. Professionally focused workshops, networking events and cultural excursions add meaning to your internship abroad.
Venture on one overnight excursion and exciting day trips with other CIEE participants. Visit the world-famous Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and stroll the halls of art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum partnered with the Louvre in Paris. Your time in Abu Dhabi will push you to grow as a young professional and culturally competent individual.
Why Choose This Program?
Professional Development
Gain valuable experience through a professional internship, cultural activities, and networking opportunities. Return home with a clearer sense of your academic and career goals.
Strike a Balance
Benefit from CIEE's global support and cultural expertise, while exploring the world at your own pace.
Make Connections
With a part-time internship schedule, you'll have plenty of time to explore the local lifestyle, meet new people, and build your network with locals and fellow gap interns.
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
Welcome to Abu Dhabi, where your professional journey will begin amongst the UAE’s ultramodern skyscrapers and traditional souks.
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, blends ambitious urban development with rich Arabian heritage. The city has special business zones where foreign companies can be wholly owned by international investors and operate tax-free, giving interns a front-row view of global business. Cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest structure in the city, reflect centuries of history, while futuristic districts such as Saadiyat and Al Maryah Island showcase cutting-edge architecture and design.
Abu Dhabi's lifestyle balances contemporary sophistication with natural beauty. Corniche beaches, mangrove forests and nearby rolling desert dunes offer scenic opportunities to explore outside of the city. Local markets and traditional cafés highlight Emirati cuisine such as shawarma (spit-roasted meat in a pita) and luqaimat (small Middle Eastern doughnuts). With its mix of business, culture and futuristic development, Abu Dhabi offers interns a unique environment to grow both personally and professionally.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Abu Dhabi offers an immersive environment where your internship and cultural experiences come together, allowing you to live, learn and grow in a global city.
Professional Workplace Visits
Step inside digitally native companies, consulting firms or local nonprofit organizations to see how business operates in Abu Dhabi. Shadow professionals, engage in projects and gain firsthand experience of workplace dynamics in a city at the forefront of various industries including tourism, oil, and technology.
Abrahamic Family House Tour
Explore the newly built Abrahamic Family House, home to three places of worship welcoming Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities. This religious center has a mission to promote coexistence, peace and cultural understanding. Discover modern architecture, learn about interfaith initiatives and experience the city’s commitment to cultural exchange and social harmony.
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Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount
Apply to a fall semester or academic year program by June 1 and automatically get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from the final balance.
Insurance
The program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2026 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Spring 2027 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
Our Staff
Nancy ElSobkey
Center Director
Nancy is a senior educator with over 15 years of experience teaching Arabic language and culture to learners of all ages and levels across Alexandria, Muscat, Sharjah, and Dubai. She...